F At first glance, it appears to be a complete defeat for the Kurds in Syria. Fearing that they would ultimately be completely overrun by the troops and militias of the transitional government, they agreed to a new agreement with Damascus on Friday, with which they would be able to do so autonomous Region Rojava finally give up and commit to complete integration into the central state.
Regional self-government, as the Kurds fought for years ago in northern Iraq, is now a thing of the past. Nevertheless, Kurdish politicians speak of a success. This not only refers to the fact that the killings of the last few weeks and an impending massacre of the civilian population could be prevented, there are also elements in the agreement that give hope for the future of the Kurds in Syria.
First of all, there is equality with the Arab population, which they have under the Assad dictatorship was always refused. This includes equal rights for their language and culture, which, if applied in practice, would enable the Kurds to live in dignity. In addition, elements of local self-government remain, including a local police force, albeit under the authority of governors appointed in Damascus.
All of this will have to play itself out in the coming months and perhaps even years; there will be many setbacks and conflicts, but the great war appears to be over and a direction has been set. However, there is still great mistrust on both sides. In order for things to actually remain peaceful and for the agreements to be implemented, the Kurds would like the USA and France, who negotiated the agreement, to remain on board as so-called guarantor powers.
This cannot be ruled out, as the USA and Europe also have an interest in Syria developing into a reasonably stable state. The end of Rojava will also have a major impact on the Kurds in Turkey. The PKK had already laid down its arms a year ago, but the political process in which the future status and cultural rights of the Kurds is being negotiated is still in full swing.
A parliament-appointed commission comprising all major political parties, including the Kurdish DEM, will present its recommendations in February. Then it will become clear what the Kurds can achieve in the “peace process”. The contract now being negotiated in Syria could provide some guidance.